On-site Energy Storage to Accelerate Speed to Power in Constrained Markets

The American-Made Solar Prize Round 8 is a multimillion-dollar prize program designed to spur innovations in U.S. solar hardware and software technologies and address challenges to rapid, equitable solar energy deployment. Anyone based in the United States with a potentially marketable solar technology solution are eligible to compete and can sign up on the HeroX prize platform. Potential applicants include students, professors, small business owners, and researchers.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) opened applications on June 14, 2024. On January 15, 2025, DOE selected 20 teams to receive $50,000 each and advance to the next stage of the competition. Four teams were also selected to win the Ready! JEDI Contest and receive an additional $25,000. DOE also awarded $3,000 prizes to each of the seven teams selected for the Power Up Contest, a program designed to support new and diverse entrants to the solar energy industry.

This challenge requires competitors to make progress quickly, form private-sector partnerships, and engage customers to bring their ideas to life. Competitors will have access to the American-Made Network to find partners and testing facilities to accelerate their progress.

DOE is interested in solar hardware and software technologies. Hardware innovations should be able to be manufactured in the United States. Software innovations should help address the non-hardware costs of solar, like customer acquisition, financing, and grid integration.

Competitors will participate in three escalating challenges—the Ready!, Set!, and Go! Contests—as they develop their concepts from ideas to products. Individually, each competitor can win up to $700,000 in cash and $150,000 in technical support vouchers over the course of the three contests.

Competitors have the opportunity in each contest to also compete in the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Contest. Should they opt in, at each stage, the competitors will describe how their solutions address solar market barriers faced by underserved communities and work to substantially advance their approach toward JEDI goals.

For those who have a great idea but need a boost to take their innovation to the next level, the Solar Prize Round 8 offers the Power Up Contest. This contest is designed to support and advance new and diverse teams that have compelling applications but aren’t selected to advance to the Set! Contest. Teams were selected for the Power Up Contest based on their Ready! Contest submission packet. These teams each receive $3,000 and the opportunity to participate in the Power Up program, which offers four months of tailored mentorship and business support. Power Up teams who complete and meet the requirements of the Power Up program receive an additional $7,000 each and the opportunity to participate in the Power Up Pitch Competition, where one team will win an additional $4,000 and two passes to attend the 2025 RE+ conference.

Stages of Competition

• Ready! Contest: 20 winners, $50,000 each. Each competitor will pitch an innovative solution that addresses a critical need in the solar industry and identify market demand for it.
• Set! Contest: 10 winners, $100,000 in cash prizes and $75,000 in vouchers each. Each team advancing to the Set! Contest will design a hardware proof of concept or a minimum viable software product.
• Go! Contest: Two winners, $500,000 in cash prizes and $75,000 in vouchers each. Selected competitors will develop early-stage hardware prototypes for industry testing or customer-validated software products. 
• JEDI Contest (Optional): $200,000 in total cash prizes distributed to up to 10 Ready! finalists, up to five Set! semifinalists, and up to 2 Go! Competitors.
• Power Up Contest: $100,000 in total cash prizes distributed to up to 10 new and diverse teams with promising ideas who were not selected as Ready! Contest winners.

Competitors who opt into the JEDI Contest will describe how their solutions address solar market barriers faced by underserved communities and work to substantially advance their approach toward JEDI goals as they progress through the Ready!, Set!, and Go! Contests. 

Semifinalists

Photovoltaics (PV)

Full Charge Solar (Austin, TX) – This team is developing a fully collapsible, emission-free, cart-based solar array with a battery and inverter that requires little to no maintenance. This system provides electricity throughout the day while charging a battery to provide electricity at night and can serve emergency situations when power is not available.

Martin Solar (Mascoutah, IL) – This team is developing a new mounting system for residential solar that does not require drilling into homeowners’ roofs. This leak-proof mount will protect rooftops from damage and increase consumer confidence in rooftop solar.

Plug & Play Solar Wing (Atlanta, GA) – This team is developing a quick-deploy, expandable solar PV array suitable for applications such as carports and disaster relief. This expandable design allows the Solar Wing to eliminate more than 95% of onsite installation activities, making it easy to relocate to new sites in the future.

Systems Integration

Expand Power Technologies, Inc. (San Francisco, CA) – This team is developing a novel inverter-based transformer that is smaller, safer, and smarter than traditional designs. This compact solution will expand access to solar in space-limited areas, such as urban environments, and reduce lead times by leveraging U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Flip Energy (San Francisco, CA) – This team is developing a turnkey platform to allow homeowners with solar and storage to more easily participate in virtual power plants, which can allow them to generate revenue from their solar + storage systems. This solution will help make residential solar and storage more affordable and accessible for homeowners while also supporting grid reliability.

NetMeterGO.com (Las Vegas, NV) – This team is developing a platform that automates affordable net meter interconnection for small- and medium-sized utilities. This solution will equitably promote solar power through streamlined and automated interconnection queue management.

WattShift, Inc. (Chicago, IL) – This team is developing a software platform for managing home energy devices, aligning demand with renewable energy availability. This management system dynamically optimizes energy use while reducing consumer costs and enabling more renewables on the grid.

Dual-Use PV

Fundusol, LLC (Stanford, CA) – This team is developing a modeling software to design and optimize agrivoltaics systems by modeling multiple factors to predict the performance of the agrivoltaic system on each farm's crop and/or livestock. This solution will help accelerate the deployment of solar in agricultural environments.

Icarus (San Diego County, CA) – This team is developing a solution that integrates PV and solar thermal technologies by capturing and converting waste heat to create a hybrid PV and thermal cogeneration system. This solution will improve the power performance of commercial PV arrays and generate hot water that can be stored for on-demand energy needs.

Serida, Inc. (Ithaca, NY) – This team is developing an agrivoltaics deployment software to enable solar developers to design agrivoltaic systems through advanced microclimate modeling and crop algorithms. This solution will help empower rural communities to go solar by maximizing the community benefits of agrivoltaics.

Watts on Water (San Diego, CA) – This team is developing an automated, geographic information system-based solar siting and design software tailored to floating photovoltaics (FPV) systems. Through FPV-specific design parameters and co-benefits analysis, this solution will support the deployment of FPV through streamlining tools such as siting and design and customer acquisition.

Finance and Business Models

Eighth Generation Consulting (Osage County, OK) – This team is developing a solar asset management software using artificial intelligence, computer vision, geographic information systems, and permitting data to streamline how solar is permitted, serviced, and decommissioned. Through cradle-to-grave tracking, this solution will enable accurate and cost-effective management and decommissing of solar assets. JEDI Winner

Greengrid, Inc. (Laconia, NH) – This team is developing a platform that finances solar rooftop projects in disadvantaged communities by leveraging corporate renewable energy certificate (REC) commitments. By bundling small-scale solar projects into large, high-impact REC portfolios, this solution reduces financial barriers to rooftop solar for underserved communities.

Rayva (Gilbert, AZ) – This team is partnering with roofers and builders to install their building-integrated solar modules during the construction of new homes or roof replacements. This building-integrated solar module, combined with a streamlined business-to-business sales model, will reduce costs and expand the availability of solar to homeowners, including those in underserved communities. JEDI Winner

Team CBA (Atlanta, GA) – This team is developing a tool to help communities and renewable energy project sponsors develop community benefit agreements. The tool assists with facilitating discovery and research, establishing key impact initiatives and success indicators, drafting and monitoring agreements, and tracking and reporting. JEDI Winner

Deployment and Workforce

Cosmic Robotics (San Francisco, CA) – This team is developing robots to pick up and place solar modules on single-axis solar trackers, automating a dangerous and laborious task in the installation process. Through this innovation, a network of robots could work alongside human crews to accelerate the deployment of utility-scale solar.

IWNL Energy (Orlando, FL) – This team is developing a multilingual, comprehensive, user-centered software platform called the Solar Energy Career Navigator. This platform aims to reduce barriers to entry and bridge the gap between potential workers and employers, guiding them toward fulfilling careers in the solar energy sector. JEDI Winner

PowerTechs (Austin, TX) – This team is developing a reskilling and skills assessment platform for the renewable energy workforce that combines artificial intelligence and extended reality. This solution will help address the solar workforce shortage and accelerate deployment of solar energy.

Samtracs (San Antonio, TX) – This team is automating solar farm construction through on-site, mobile construction equipment combined with redesigned single-axis tracker components. This new assembly process and tracker design will reduce labor requirements for solar farm construction and decrease construction time.

Solar Tech Collective (Tucson, AZ) – This team is developing a mobile-based training app, SolTrain, for solar installation field technicians. The app will provide microlessons focused on essential field skills and will validate technician competency to lower operational costs for solar asset owners.

Power Up Contest Winners

BloomBox Design Labs (Menlo Park, CA) – This team is developing a modular and retractable solar roof system that is securely mounted on shipping containers to bring solar energy to off-grid communities. 

Insitu Energy (San Francisco, CA) – This team is developing a platform that helps communities assess solar potential on brownfield sites—previously occupied properties that may be difficult to reuse due to the potential presence of contaminants—and recommends quality projects to developers.

Okovate Sustainable Energy (Oxon Hill, MD) – This team is developing an agrivoltaic leasing webtool to assess solar and agriculture income for farmers, using simple inputs about their land to empower decisionmaking.

Sprightful (Miami, FL) – This team is developing a community-driven platform to educate interested homeowners on solar PV installation best practices and communicate with existing system owners.  

Sundial (Spanish Fork, UT) – This team is developing universal solar trackers for both flat and slanted roofs, allowing panels to track the sun and generate 20-30% more energy.  

Team Little Bob (Newark, DE) – This team is developing a virtual marketplace for community solar aimed at low-to-moderate income communities that allows current subscribers to invest in future projects.   

Venki Energy (Silver Spring, MD) – This team is developing a removable rooftop array that can reduce the soft costs of solar installation and enable subscription solar business models.

Additional Resources

• Watch a recording of the informational webinar and download the slide deck (PDF).
• Follow the American-Made Solar Prize Round 8.
• Learn more about the American-Made Solar Prize.
• Join the American-Made Network to support competitors as they bring new technologies to market.
• Support the American-Made Solar Prize by becoming a partner or expert reviewer.
• Learn about previous rounds of the American-Made Solar Prize.
• For questions about the Solar Prize, email [email protected].

The American-Made Solar Prize is a part of the American-Made Challenges and is administered by DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

DOE | www.doe.gov

TELO Trucks — maker of the world’s most efficient electric pickup truck — has partnered with Aptera, the leader in solar-powered EV technology, to introduce integrated solar panel options for the TELO MT1. This innovative feature empowers buyers to select up to three solar panel kits, enabling charging on the go and enhancing energy independence, even in remote locations.

The available solar panel options include:

— Rooftop Truck Cab Solar Paneling – Integrated panels over the cab maximize daily energy generation.

— Tonneau Truck Bed Cover Solar Paneling – A solar-equipped bed cover adds power while preserving storage versatility.

— Camper Shell Solar Paneling – Panels extending from the cab over the bed increase charging capacity and storage options.

Aptera’s solar panels generate up to 200 watts each at peak sunlight, delivering 1-2 kWh per day based on location and season. Using a glass-glass configuration ensures optimal efficiency and durability. TELO vehicles consume just 200-300 Wh/mi, significantly reducing energy needs and extending range with solar options. Ideal for adventurers and daily drivers alike, this technology enhances TELO’s sustainability and delivers freedom from the grid.

Carbuyers will be able to tailor their pickup truck precisely to their needs by selecting their desired TELO solar configuration during the time of pre-order. These options offer unmatched flexibility, supporting TELO’s goal of delivering more efficient and sustainable vehicles that balance work and play.

Aptera, a trailblazer in solar-powered commuter vehicles, unveiled their groundbreaking technology at CES 2025. This partnership combines Aptera’s expertise with TELO’s innovative design, ensuring seamless integration and maximum performance.

“Our unique curved solar cell design makes it the perfect application to propel automotive utility further than ever before,” said Steve Fambro, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Aptera. “Together with TELO, we’re harnessing the power of the sun to make life off the grid a reality for everyone by putting the sun to work for them.”

Thanks to TELO’s newest offering of solar power charging, the company continues to redefine the possibilities of EV ownership.

Jason Marks – CEO and Co-Founder of TELO Trucks – adds, “Whether buyers are looking for a commuter vehicle, a safer, more sustainable option to serve their family’s needs, a rugged, dependable pickup truck for outdoor adventuring, or a highly-functional fleet & vehicle that increases their business’s efficiency, TELO continues to be a first-in-class automotive option to satisfy the many needs of carbuyers.”

TELO and Aptera will make these solar panel options available for pre-order later this year. The fully realized drivable prototype is currently in production at Aria Group, which joined forces with TELO in 2024 after a successful $5.4M strategic funding round led by Neo and Spero Ventures.

TELO Trucks | www.telotrucks.com

Aptera Motors | https://aptera.us

Comcast Smart Solutions, a division of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) that specializes in smart technologies for businesses and communities, announced a new collaboration with EV Connect to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) charging portfolio. By incorporating EV Connect’s advanced charging management solutions, Comcast Smart Solutions is able to provide businesses, cities, and campuses with the tools, software, and support needed to streamline the transition to EVs.

EV adoption is accelerating. The growth is driven by multiple factors, including advancements in battery technology that extend driving range, government incentives based on eligibility for electric vehicle tax credits, and a shift in consumer preference toward EVs as a viable alternative to conventional vehicles due to environmental awareness. To keep pace with this growing demand, investments in EV charging infrastructure are essential.

"EVs are a rapidly growing sector, but accessible charging infrastructure continues to be a challenge for widespread adoption,” said Michael Slovin, Vice President and General Manager at Comcast Smart Solutions. “We are committed to helping Comcast customers address the evolving needs of their business operations. By integrating EV Connect's advanced software management solutions with our robust EV hardware capabilities, we are able to deliver a customizable and efficient charging experience for all property types."

EV Connect’s innovative and open charging management platform allows for more flexible integrations with existing hardware, which can help manage costs. Its management system is compatible with most Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) chargers, enabling flexibility in pricing and customization for properties of any size. 

EV Connect will offer several key benefits:

• Interoperability with OCCP Chargers: Promotes seamless communication between charging stations and EV Connect’s management system.

• Dynamic Pricing and Revenue Generation Opportunities: Flexible pricing models—such as flat rates, metered pricing, and dynamic pricing—help businesses optimize prices based on customer demand.

• Customizable, White Label Solutions: Scalable and branded options allow businesses to tailor experiences through API integration, supporting features like loyalty, memberships, and fleet management.

• Flexible Hardware Procurement: Supports integration with most existing OCCP infrastructure and provides access to hardware from multiple OEMs, helping manage costs.

• Simplified Reporting and Real-Time Metrics: Streamlined tools for efficient management and oversight, including performance tracking of charging stations.

“Businesses investing in EV charging need more than just hardware—they need intelligent tools to manage and optimize their operations,” said Bassem Ammouri, COO of EV Connect. “By collaborating with Comcast Smart Solutions, we’re bringing cutting-edge tools and flexibility to businesses, empowering them to deliver smarter, faster and more adaptable charging solutions to their users.” 

EV Connect joins NovaCHARGE as part of Comcast Smart Solutions’ growing technology provider ecosystem. NovaCHARGE, a leading provider of EV charging solutions, offers hardware, software, management tools, and a proactive maintenance tool, NovaBOT. Together, NovaCHARGE’s charging infrastructure and EV Connect’s open EV charging management platform create comprehensive solutions that allow customers to build, expand, and scale their own charging networks.

Comcast Business and Xfinity Communities customers now have access to charging options, enhanced performance, and flexible pricing models offered by Comcast Smart Solutions’ ecosystem of providers. These solutions enable cities, businesses, and multifamily properties to adapt to evolving consumer preferences in a rapidly changing marketplace.

To learn more about Comcast Smart Solutions’ Smart EV Charging offerings, please visit smartsolutions.comcast.com. 

Comcast Smart Solutions | smartsolutions.comcast.com 

Comcast Corporation | comcastcorporation.com 

EV Connect | www.evconnect.com 

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy), a leading American renewable energy company, announced over 700-megawatt alternating current (MWac) of renewable energy projects in Oklahoma that are supported in part by long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Google.

These projects are strategically sited to support Google’s data center operations and leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). They will bolster the reliability of Oklahoma’s electric grid by adding renewable capacity that improves stability and diversifies the energy mix, while also supporting national energy independence. This collaboration reinforces LRE’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving energy needs of its partners and the communities where its projects are based.

Construction has begun on the 372-MWac Mayes County Solar Portfolio, located just within one mile from Google’s data center in Pryor, Oklahoma. Together with the Twelvemile Solar Project 1 & 2 (152.5 MWac) and the Twelvemile 3 Solar Project (200 MWac), located in Southern Oklahoma, these projects total 724 MWac of solar capacity in Oklahoma.

LRE purchased the Mayes County Solar Portfolio earlier this year from Red River Renewable Energy, LLC (“Red River”), a joint venture between SunChase Power, LLC (“SunChase”) and Eolian, L.P. The energy generated by the solar portfolio is delivered under firm transmission service to the Grand River Dam Authority (“GRDA”). GRDA plans to utilize the clean energy produced by the projects to support operations at Google’s data center.

The Mayes County Solar Portfolio consists of three solar projects: Salt Branch Solar (145 MWac), Huckleberry Solar (125 MWac), and Mayes Solar (102 MWac). The projects will generate substantial economic investment in the community, creating over 300 construction jobs and contributing an estimated $76 million in tax revenue to Mayes County over their lifespan. This funding will support vital county initiatives and schools. Additionally, over $60,000 has been donated to the local Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce, and other essential services, further strengthening community resources.

The power purchase agreements were facilitated through LEAP (LevelTen Energy’s Accelerated Process), which was co-developed by Google and LevelTen Energy to make sourcing and executing clean energy PPAs more efficient, and contribute to Google’s ambitious 2030 goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) on every grid where it operates.

"We are proud to expand our presence in Oklahoma with these projects which are ideally located to support Google’s data center operations,” said Eran Mahrer, Chief Commercial Officer at LRE. “This partnership with Google not only strengthens our collaboration but also contributes to the reliability of Oklahoma’s electric grid and helps advance national energy independence. By utilizing domestically manufactured equipment and creating job opportunities for Oklahomans, these projects deliver tangible benefits to local communities navigating the energy transition. They underscore our commitment to responsible development and fostering economic growth in regions critical to the future of energy.”

The Mayes County Solar portfolio marks a significant advancement in the region's renewable energy infrastructure, capable of powering the equivalent of over 865,000 homes[1] per year and avoiding over 3.7 million metric tons[2] of CO2 emissions over the term of the PPA.

“By partnering with Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) and LRE, Google is furthering its ambition to power our facilities, including those in Oklahoma, with carbon-free energy around the clock by 2030,” said Amanda Peterson Corio, Global Head of Data Center Energy, Google. “These power purchase agreements demonstrate how our scalable procurement approach is transforming the acquisition of clean energy and accelerating the development of carbon-free energy sources.“

“We began development of these energy projects in 2017, intentionally co-locating solar sites adjacent to Google’s data center load at Pryor to directly inject clean electricity into the grid at the point of consumption,” added Aaron Zubaty, CEO of Eolian. “The addition of more than 700 MWac of new solar resources at carefully chosen locations will enable more efficient utilization of the regional transmission network and enhance grid resilience while also directly enabling customer expansion. In a time of growing electricity demand to power our overall economy, these solar projects provide a very tangible and real solution.”

“We are seeing a dramatic increase in the demand for reliable electricity throughout the country. Google’s support for these solar projects in Oklahoma is a testament to their commitment to help meet the state’s growing energy needs with secure, sustainable solutions.” said John Wiscaver, Executive Vice President at GRDA. “Google is a valuable partner to GRDA, and we look forward to helping them meet their future power needs while continuing to foster economic growth in the GRDA communities of Northeast Oklahoma.”

LRE acknowledges the invaluable collaboration with SunChase and Eolian, whose expertise and commitment to renewable energy development have been instrumental in realizing these projects.

“SunChase is proud to see these Mayes County solar energy projects moving forward, bringing utility-scale solar power to a fast-growing part of the state where it will support continued economic development with clean energy,” said Teran Smith, Vice President, SunChase Power, LLC.

Leeward Renewable Energy | www.leewardenergy.com

Eolian | www.eolianenergy.com

SunChase Power | sunchasepower.com

[1] For calculation methodologies (https://www.lreus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LRE-Methodology.pdf)

[2] For calculation methodologies (https://www.lreus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LRE-Methodology.pdf)

This free ladder safety training is a tool for the proper selection, care and safe use of all ladders, including stepladders, single and extension ladders, articulated ladders, and mobile ladders. Provided by the American Ladder Institute, this training outlines safe ladder practices in all applications at work and at home.

Start Your FREE Training

American Ladder Institute | https://laddersafetytraining.org/

RatedPower, a part of Enverus, the most trusted energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) design enhancements. RatedPower’s all-in-one software seamlessly integrates project designs with external tools such as AutoCAD, PhotoVoltaic (PV) systems, Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSS/E) and others, increasing users’ abilities to streamline workflows. 

As BESS continues to dominate conversations in the renewables sector, industry experts are seeking innovative ways to optimize projects and stay ahead of emerging trends for a competitive edge. RatedPower remains at the forefront, consistently evolving its platform to meet changing market demands. In its 2024 Global Renewable Trends Report, which gathers insights from industry professionals, BESS emerged as a major focal point, highlighting its growing significance. 

“The more storage, the better,” said Darren Bishop, RatedPower customer and sales team lead at Lincoln Infrastructure/Convalt Energy. “More storage means less natural gas and nuclear plants on standby to fulfill the capacity needs of the grid at high load.”  

“Standalone BESS offers users more flexibility, enabling them to develop BESS projects independently of PV plants,” said Ignacio Alvarez Iberlucea, senior product manager at RatedPower. “This is a game-changer, and we're proud to lead the way as pioneers, delivering this seamless option within a single, powerful software platform.” 

RatedPower stands out as the only solution on the market offering users the flexibility to design BESS for hybrid photovoltaic PV plants or as standalone systems, independent of a PV plant. With advanced tools that simplify and automate battery design, RatedPower delivers unparalleled efficiency for developers, engineering, procurement and construction firms, and more.

Key takeaways from RatedPower’s BESS design enhancements: 

●      This cutting-edge feature streamlines BESS design through advanced automation and precision tools, allowing users to configure plant capacity to match manufacturer specifications, optimize land use with detailed topography data, and generate accurate layouts in seconds. By automating critical processes such as grid compliance calculations, cable sizing, and layout generation, the platform eliminates the need for manual work.  

●      With seamless AutoCAD integration and access to more than 400 editable technical documents, RatedPower empowers developers and engineers to maximize installed capacity, enhance project efficiency and simplify workflows.

●      Additionally, users will have access to a BESS arbitrage system, enabling them to optimize their project profits by calculating the ideal charge and discharge levels based on energy prices, degradation, PV production and other key factors.

●      RatedPower’s integrated tool enables users to seamlessly incorporate their designs with other essential software for project completion. In addition to AutoCAD compatibility, users can export designs and connect projects with leading power system analysis tools such as PSS/E, PowerFactory and ETAP.

●      This new integration enhances project accuracy, minimizes manual effort, reduces the risk of errors and costs, and accelerates overall project workflows. 

A screenshot from RatedPower’s most recent design enhancement which enables streamlined standalone BESS site creation and project design, enhancing efficiency and precision.

Additional Resources:

Register and watch this 45-minute, recorded webinar to discover how RatedPower’s innovative features can enhance workflow, enhance project efficiency, and unlock new revenue opportunities.    

RatedPower | https://ratedpower.com/

Enverus | https://www.enverus.com/

On January 13, 2025, the First Public Hydrogen Authority (FPH2) held its groundbreaking inaugural board meeting at the Avalon Room in the City of Industry, California. This milestone event celebrated the official launch of the nation's first public hydrogen utility, an initiative poised to revolutionize the renewable hydrogen market and solidify California as a global leader in clean energy innovation.

The board meeting brought together influential leaders, industry experts, and public officials to establish the vision, governance, and strategic direction for FPH2. With its mission to consolidate demand, aggregate supply, and create a transparent marketplace, FPH2 is setting a new standard for how hydrogen producers and consumers connect. The authority aims to leverage public-sector leadership and federal incentives, such as the 45V tax credit, to make renewable hydrogen more accessible, affordable, and scalable.

"This meeting was more than just a formality—it was the first step toward reshaping the clean energy landscape," said Chairman R. Rex Parris, Mayor of Lancaster. "FPH2 is breaking barriers by providing a public utility model that ensures sustainability, affordability, and transparency. This is a pivotal moment not just for California but for the entire clean energy movement."

Attendees were inspired by the authority's forward-thinking approach, which focuses on integrating renewable hydrogen into sectors such as transportation, logistics, and heavy industry. The meeting underscored FPH2's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, as the authority works to deliver tangible benefits for communities, businesses, and the environment alike.

"By connecting producers and end users, FPH2 ensures that renewable hydrogen becomes a viable solution for economic growth and environmental stewardship," added Vice Chairman Newell Ruggles, Council Member of the City of Industry. "This is a model of how public entities can drive transformative change."

Following the meeting, a celebratory social hour provided stakeholders with the opportunity to network, share insights, and discuss the exciting possibilities ahead. The event showcased the collaborative spirit at the heart of FPH2's mission and highlighted the potential for renewable hydrogen to become the cornerstone of California's clean energy future.

FPH2 is already garnering attention for its unique public utility model, which bridges the gap between private industry and public accountability. By aggregating demand and fostering transparency, the authority is designed to streamline transactions and reduce costs, making renewable hydrogen a competitive alternative to fossil fuels.

First Public Hydrogen Authority | https://www.firstpublich2.com/